Hotel owners reject fresh registration scheme, decry multiple taxes

The Nigeria Hotel Association, NHA, has opposed the alleged attempt by the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism, NIHOTOUR, to introduce a new registration process for hotels, insisting that the agency has no constitutional mandate to register hotels in the country.

Speaking at a press conference in Bauchi on Tuesday, the National President of NHA, Dr. Patrick Anyanwu, stated that “by law, hotel registration is under the responsibility of the Nigeria Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), not NIHOTOUR.”

Anyanwu commended the Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, for halting the planned registration.

Describing the suspension as “a huge relief and a step toward resolving the confusion and pressure this matter has created for hotel owners across the nation,” he noted that the move was widely welcomed by stakeholders.

The NHA President also recognised the support of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria, FTAN, led by Alhaji Badaki Aliyu, explaining that the umbrella body was instrumental in reaching out to the minister on the contentious issue.

He reiterated that while the association supports training and certification programmes, such initiatives must be carried out with transparency and after proper consultation with relevant stakeholders.

Anyanwu further lamented the burden of multiple taxation faced by hotel operators, urging the government to act swiftly.

“Up till today, our members are suffering from multiple taxation. The government should address it. My members are bitterly complaining,” he declared.

He also commended the chairman of the Senate Committee on Tourism for promising legislative backing to safeguard hoteliers’ rights and ensure a more supportive operating environment for the hospitality industry.

Hotel owners reject fresh registration scheme, decry multiple taxes